During Byzantine times, between the 4th and 7th centuries, Jordan underwent a profound architectural and artistic transformation that is still visible in the numerous archaeological sites that dot its landscape. This period marked a phase of religious change (with the construction of churches, monasteries, and pilgrimage centers) and a flourishing of the arts –especially mosaics, notable for their intricate beauty and detailed depiction of daily life, whether religious or not.
The Byzantine Empire, which emerged from the division of the Roman Empire in 285 CE, consolidated its influence in the region of Jordan, then known as the Provincia Arabia Pétrea, beginning in the 4th century. When Christianity became the official religion of the empire under Constantine I, the region quickly became Christianized. This meant a radical change in Jordan’s urban landscape. Cities that had flourished during the Roman period, such as Gerasa (Jerash), Madaba, Petra, and Umm ar-Rasas, experienced a new phase of development under Byzantine influence.
Byzantine architecture in Jordan was characterized by the construction of numerous basilicas and other religious buildings. These basilicas, characterized by long naves, semicircular apses facing east, and two parallel rows of columns, were the predominant, standard structure. Outstanding examples of this type of architecture can be found in the ruins of Jerash, which houses the Cathedral of St. Theodore and other churches with basilica plans, with mosaics and religious inscriptions decorating their floors and walls.
One of the most important sites of the period is Umm ar-Rasas, an ancient Roman fortress that was reused by the Byzantines and came to include more than a dozen churches. The Church of St. Stephen in Umm ar-Rasas is notable for its mosaic floors depicting various Byzantine cities, underscoring the global interconnectedness of the territories under imperial control.
Another landmark is Mount Nebo, an important pilgrimage site traditionally associated with Moses. Here, extraordinary mosaics depicting pastoral scenes, hunting, and daily life testify to the fusion of sacred art and secular life in Byzantine imagery.
(Memorial Church of Moses in Mount Nebo)
Mosaic art is undoubtedly one of the most significant expressions of Byzantine tradition in Jordan. During this period, mosaics adorned churches but also public and private buildings and are notable for their refined technique and artistic complexity. The themes of these mosaics vary from geometric representations to scenes of flora, fauna and religious figures.
One of the most notable examples is the Map of Madaba, a 6th century mosaic in the Church of St. George. One of the oldest cartographic representations of the Holy Land, this map is remarkable for its geographic accuracy and detailed depiction of biblical cities and landscapes.
Petra, known for its Nabataean heritage, also preserves a series of mosaics discovered during excavations in the 1990s. These mosaics feature exotic animals, human figures, and elaborate geometric motifs, demonstrating the continuity of Byzantine art in a city with (way) older roots.
The development of mosaics during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD) was particularly significant. Under his rule, the construction of churches and the creation of mosaic decorations increased significantly, making Jordan a center of artistic activity within the empire.
Byzantine art reached its apogee in the city of Jerash, one of the best preserved archaeological sites of the period. Jerash’s churches, such as the Church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, feature mosaic floors in a variety of colors and shapes, with motifs including scenes from daily life, animals, and elaborate floral and geometric designs.
Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is notable not only for its defensive architecture, but also for its churches. Their mosaic ornamentation offers an exceptional window into the Byzantine world. The mosaics of St. Stephen’s depict not only cities, but also biblical and everyday scenes, with particular attention to detail in the depiction of human and animal figures.
(Mosaics of Church of St. Stephen in Umm ar-Rasas)
Even after the Umayyad conquest in the 7th century, Byzantine influence remained in Jordan. Many Byzantine churches were converted into mosques or reused, and artistic techniques, especially in mosaic work, were adopted and adapted by later artists. The elaborate geometric designs and use of color in Islamic art are a natural continuation of earlier Byzantine developments.
Byzantine art and architecture left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Jordan. The churches, mosaics, and architectural structures that survive today are a testament to the prosperity and dynamism of the region during this period. Sites such as Madaba, Mount Nebo, Petra, Umm ar-Rasas and Jerash remain important centers for the study of Byzantine history and a reminder of the rich heritage of this ancient civilization in Jordan.